As the crescent moon ushers in the holy month of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, Muslims worldwide embark on a journey of spiritual reflection, renewal, and self-discipline. This auspicious month holds immense significance in the Islamic calendar, serving as a time of heightened devotion, increased acts of worship, and deepening connections with Allah (SWT).Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds a special place in the hearts of whole Muslim Ummah. It is a month of fasting, prayer, marked by a deep spiritual connection with Allah (SWT).
The significance of Ramadan is rooted in the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the traditions of fasting established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).The Quran describes Ramadan as the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for humanity. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), it states: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”This verse highlights the divine purpose behind Ramadan – to provide guidance and clarity to believers through the revelation of the Quran. During this sacred month, Muslims engage in recitation, reflection, and contemplation of the Quranic verses, seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “O people! A great and blessed month is approaching you. It is a month in which there is a night that is better than a thousand months. Allah has made fasting during this month obligatory and standing (in prayer) at night voluntary. Whoever draws near to Allah with a good deed during this month is like one who performs an obligatory act in other months, and whoever performs an obligatory act in this month is like one who performs seventy obligations in other months. It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise. It is a month of kindness and charity, and a believer’s provision is increased during this month. Whoever provides iftar to a fasting person will have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Hellfire, and he will receive the same reward as the fasting person without the fasting person’s reward being diminished.”
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental acts of worship for Muslims. The Quran prescribes fasting as a means of attaining taqwa, or God-consciousness. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183), Allah says: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” Through fasting, Muslims exercise self-discipline, develop empathy for the less fortunate, and strengthen their connection with Allah (SWT). By abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, believers learn to control their desires and focus on spiritual growth. The act of fasting fosters gratitude for blessings, encourages charitable acts, and purifies the soul. Fasting during Ramadan is not merely abstaining from food and drink; it is a holistic spiritual experience that encompasses self-discipline, empathy, and gratitude. By refraining from earthly desires, believers focus their attention on spiritual growth, introspection, and strengthening their relationship with Allah (SWT).
Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal and self-reflection. Muslims strive to increase their devotion through increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of kindness and charity. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of Ramadan as a time for spiritual rejuvenation and purification of the soul.
In a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” This Hadith highlights the significance of Ramadan as a time of spiritual opportunity, where believers are encouraged to seek forgiveness, mercy, and salvation. In addition to fasting, Ramadan-ul-Mubarak is a time of increased devotion to prayer and reflection. Muslims engage in extra prayers, including Taraweeh, which are performed after the obligatory night prayers during Ramadan. These prayers offer believers an opportunity to seek forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah (SWT), as they recite the Quran and reflect on its teachings.
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, plays a central role during Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. It was during this blessed month that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as guidance for humanity. Muslims around the world strive to deepen their connection with the Quran through daily recitation, reflection, and study, seeking spiritual enlightenment and guidance in their lives.
Ramadan-ul-Mubarak is also a time of communal unity and charitable giving. Muslims come together to break their fasts with family, friends, and members of the community during Iftar, the evening meal that marks the end of the day’s fast. These gatherings foster a sense of community, solidarity, and compassion among believers.Charitable acts, such as giving alms (Zakat) and providing food to those in need (Sadaqah), are highly encouraged during Ramadan -ul-Mubarak. Muslims are reminded of the importance of generosity, empathy, and helping those less fortunate, embodying the spirit of compassion and social responsibility exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned five special favors from Allah (SWT) upon his Ummah: (1) The breath of the fasting person is more beloved to Allah (SWT) than the fragrance of musk. (2) The fish in the sea seek forgiveness for the fasting person until they break their fast. (3) Allah (SWT) beautifies Paradise every day and says, “My righteous servants are about to remove the hardships of the world from themselves and come to Me.” (4) Rebellious demons are chained during Ramadan, preventing them from reaching the evils they usually reach outside of Ramadan. (5) Decisions of forgiveness are made on the last night of Ramadan. It was asked if this forgiveness occurs on the Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), to which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) responded that it is not so, rather, it is when work is completed and the laborer is rewarded in full.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” Similarly, whoever worships in Ramadan with faith and sincerity, his previous sins will be forgiven. Likewise, whoever engages in worship with faith and sincerity on the Night of Decree, his previous sins will be forgiven.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “When the first night of Ramadan comes, the devils and rebellious jinn are chained, and the gates of Hell are closed, and none of its gates are opened, and the gates of Paradise are opened, and none of its gates are closed, and a caller calls out: ‘O seeker of good, proceed! O seeker of evil, desist!’ Allah frees some people from Hell every night of Ramadan.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever misses a day of fasting in Ramadan without a valid excuse or illness, even if he were to fast for his entire lifetime, he would not be able to make up for it.” This hadith illustrates the irreplaceable value of each moment of Ramadan, making it clear that one who is deprived of fasting during the month of Ramadan is greatly deprived. May Allah (SWT) grant us all the ability to act accordingly. Ameen!
Ramadan is a month filled with blessings, mercy, and spiritual growth. Through fasting, prayer, and reflection on the Quran, Muslims seek to strengthen their faith, purify their souls, and draw closer to Allah (SWT). The teachings of the Quran and the traditions of fasting established by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) guide believers on this transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. As Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, they are reminded of the profound blessings and opportunities for spiritual growth that this sacred month brings.
(Author is nursing scholar, Nambla Uri. Feedback: [email protected])
